YouTube Gaming Expands to New Markets

YouTube Gaming, Google's version of Amazon-owned Twitch, announced new features and additional markets.

"The YouTube Gaming team has been on a six-month speedrun," said Alan Joyce, Product Manager, in a blog post on Friday. Last summer, the Twitch competitor released an app and website "designed to connect gamers with each other, and with the creators and content they love." Since then, YouTube Gaming has added Mobile Capture for streaming from Android devices, Sponsorships in beta, and Google has worked to improve integrations between the service and its other platforms and services, including Android, Google Cardboard, and, of course, YouTube.

In the announcement, Google said that the YouTube Gaming mobile app for Android and iOS will now be available outside of the US. "Starting today, the YouTube Gaming mobile app will be available on iOS and Android in Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Ireland, homes to top gaming creators like jacksepticeye, Vanoss, and TypicalGamer. Many more countries are coming soon, so get ready," said Joyce. It is unclear what the next markets will be or when the app will continue its expansion. Joyce added, "YouTube Gaming is built just for gamers, and we asked you to tell us how to make it the best way to connect with your community. Today we're sharing some new ways we're helping you find and watch awesome videos and live streams based on feedback we've heard." These features include a simplified homepage, game and channel browsing, a dedicated "Live" tab, Android live playback, and a pop-out player on Android.